Bepirovirsen is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), and its core mechanism of action is to recognize and degrade hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA, thereby inhibiting the virus at the genetic level.
Specifically, its pathway of action is as follows:
Targeting RNA: Bepirovirsen is designed to target all hepatitis B virus RNAs, including messenger RNA (mRNA) and pregenomic RNA.
Inhibiting viral DNA replication: By degrading these viral RNAs, it indirectly inhibits viral DNA replication in the body.
Multi-pronged action: In addition to degrading RNA, it can also reduce the production of viral proteins (such as HBsAg) and stimulate the immune system.